Consumers are adopting a more comprehensive perspective on health, wellness, and nutrition. They are increasingly resistant to taking additional pills and are turning away from chemicals and artificial ingredients. Instead, they prefer foods that contribute to their overall health. Sherry Duff, senior vice president and chief marketing and technology officer at ingredients company Innophos, noted in an email to Food Dive, “Many of the current trends in the food, health, and nutrition industries are fueled by consumers who are passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They seek products that offer enhanced functional benefits and verified claims to meet their specific health needs.”
In addition to seeking overall health and wellness benefits, consumers desire products that support energized aging and feature clean labels—meaning they are made with ingredients that are recognizable and easy to pronounce. Specifically, they are looking for items that aid in digestive health, cognitive health, anti-inflammation, immune health, cardiovascular health, weight management, muscle gain, mineral fortification, and beauty benefits. Among these, gummy calcium citrate for adults is gaining popularity as a convenient option for meeting calcium needs, aligning with the trend toward functional foods.
The rising costs of healthcare and an aging population with significant purchasing power are also driving the demand for functional foods. As a result, the market for functional foods—and the ingredients used to create healthier products—is set for substantial growth. According to Grand View Research, the global functional foods market was valued at $129 billion in 2014. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 7.9%, this market is expected to nearly double within a decade, reaching $255 billion by 2024. The research firm anticipates that the U.S. functional foods market will grow from $29 billion in 2014 to $62 billion by 2024.
But what constitutes a functional food product? Here are five of the most common and rapidly growing ingredients, along with their uses and associated health benefits. Notably, gummy calcium citrate for adults is becoming increasingly recognized for its role in promoting bone health, making it a key player in the functional foods landscape. As consumers continue to prioritize health, the demand for such innovative products will likely remain strong.